Make time for this part of East London the next time you head to London
By Mavis Teo
According to a recent Skyscanner report, London tops Singaporeans’ searches for European cities when it comes to holiday planning. This is not surprising given that the Mastercard’s Global Destination Index also lists London as the second most visited city in the world after Bangkok. Ask any Singaporean who loves London to reel off his usual hangouts, and he’s most likely to mention places in Central London like Borough market or Harrods and Covent Garden in West London, home to foodie havens of fresh produce and cooked food and high-end shopping and artisanal crafts. The east end of London is less visited, though it offers no less attractions, especially in Shoreditch where unbridled creativity with a heavy dose of cool and originality can be found in cutting-edge bars, ethnic restaurants and avant garde art galleries.
Photo: Will Pryce
5. The Nobu Hotel Shoreditch
The Nobu Hotel Shoreditch offers a refreshing contrast to the surrounding neighbourhood where the design themes are edgy and funky. Though the slate and granite colour palette also give off sexy vibes with moody lighting, the feel here is more elegant and classic. The minimalist aesthetics have a distinct Japanese flavour – no doubt a nod to founder and celebrated restaurateur and chef Nobuyaki Matsuhisa, while the exposed concrete walls and gold coloured bathroom fittings echo New York vibes – probably a tribute to his partner, actor Robert de Niro. Food is the other main attraction here. Do not leave without eating Nobu’s famous miso black cod at his eponymous restaurant. It’s sweet, salty, sticky and utterly delicious.
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